Head Coach Frank Wilson at the signing day press conference. JJ Perez/Insiderunnersports

UTSA football makes waves in C-USA with strong signing class

Following Alabama’s victory over Georgia to claim another national title, the 2017-2018 football season officially came to an end. With this, college football fans are forced to endure an arduous seven-month period without college football on Saturday’s. However, it’s not to say that there is nothing for college football fans to look forward to during this long stretch. Many diehard fans anticipate National Signing Day (NSD), which occurs every Feb. 7.

On NSD, college fans across the country tune in to see which big name high school recruits signed to their school. UTSA was able to sign a solid 2018 class mixed with both promising freshman and junior college athletes who will make an instant impact.

Deven Boston: Running back (Santa Ana College)

In the 2017 season, the Roadrunner offense struggled to produce down the stretch of conference play, and while much of the blame deservedly falls on the offensive coordinator, the inconsistency at running back did not help either. The best running back on the roster, senior Tyrell Clay, graduated, leaving the ‘Runners without a dynamic running back. That’s where Deven Boston comes in. Boston, a junior transfer from Santa Ana College, will have an immediate impact on the offense. During his sophomore season, Boston put up 1,243 rushing yards along with a whopping 17 rushing touchdowns. With his ability to make quick cuts and shrug off would be tacklers, watch for Boston to have a big season in 2018.

Spencer Burford-Watts: Offensive tackle (Karen Wagner High School)

The offensive line is arguably the most important position in football because if there is a bad offensive line, your offense is essentially doomed from the start. While UTSA did not have a terrible offensive line last season, the 2017 unit was inconsistent and plagued by injuries all season long. With the addition of Burford-Watts, the offensive line will see an immediate boost. Coming in at 6’3” and 289 pounds, Watts is the ideal size for a tackle and could very well be the foundation of the offensive line going forward. Watts boasts exceptional strength and quickness, rarely allowing defensive ends to get past him. Burford-Watts has a high chance to come in and immediately start, giving the offensive line an instant boost.

Tykee Ogle-Kellogg: Wide receiver (Alcoa High School)

Entering the 2018 season, the ‘Runners offense will be in need of another receiver to pair up with Tariq Woolen and Marquez McNair. With the signing of Kellogg, the ‘Runners will add a dynamic freshman who will compete for starting reps from day one. At 6’4, he is already the ideal height for a receiver and should have no trouble grabbing the high throws over defensive backs. However, Kellogg also boasts excellent speed that will help him blow past the defense. This, along with his ability to run the whole route tree, will make him an explosive presence for the offense and a key weapon for years to come.

Trumane Bell: Defensive end (Lake Highlands High School)

On the defensive side of the ball, UTSA boasted one of the best defensive units in all of college football. This success started up front, largely in part to the sensational season from Marcus Davenport. The loss of Davenport could be huge on the ‘Runner defense, putting a lot of pressure on Bell’s shoulders early in his freshman year to fill such massive shoes. If there is anyone capable of impacting the game along the defensive line, its Bell. Bell, at 6’1” and 230 pounds, is a monster on the line. His explosiveness off the ball is impressive and helps him get the edge on offensive tackles who can’t handle his speed. While Bell may have massive shoes to fill, he is definitely capable of picking up where Davenport left off.

Head Coach Frank Wilson has always been a talented recruiter and this offseason he has proven it yet again. The talented 2018 signing class could mean a bright future for UTSA football.